The Higher Education Leadership Certificate prepares students from all academic disciplines, professions and career levels to work in a rapidly changing and diverse higher education environment. The certificate helps to prepare students for opportunities ranging from entry level administrators such as Coordinators, Assistant Directors to mid-level administrators such as an Assistant Vice President, Department Chair, or an Associate Dean in community colleges, colleges, universities or affiliated business/industries, institutes, governmental agencies and private organizations. Students will gain an overview and understanding of common leadership and assessment theories, principles, and skills involved in the development of higher education administrators through online coursework and either an approved on-site internship or through an online internship which involves the use of case studies.
Certificate completers will have an understanding of common leadership and assessment higher education theories, principles, and skills to identify academic, workforce, and social needs; formulate ideas and action through reflection and collaboration; and be able to assess their leadership role and impact when leading diverse individuals and groups through new initiatives and institutional change.
In Higher Education Students from the Chair Academy* or who have mid-level or above higher education leadership experience may pursue a career as a Director, Assistant or Associate Dean, Assistant or Associate Vice President, Assistant or Associate Vice Chancellor. Students with limited to mid-level higher education leadership experience, may pursue a career as a Manager or Assistant or Associate Director.
*Many community colleges do not necessarily require a doctoral degree for senior level positions and some mid-level leadership positions a master’s degree is optional.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 12 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Required |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Required |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
Purpose Statement
The Higher Education Leadership Certificate prepares students from all academic disciplines, professions and career levels to work in a rapidly changing and diverse higher education environment. The certificate helps to prepare students for opportunities ranging from entry level administrators such as Coordinators, Assistant Directors to mid-level administrators such as an Assistant Vice President, Department Chair, or an Associate Dean in community colleges, colleges, universities or affiliated business/industries, institutes, governmental agencies and private organizations. Students will gain an overview and understanding of common leadership and assessment theories, principles, and skills involved in the development of higher education administrators through online coursework and either an approved on-site internship or through an online internship which involves the use of case studies.
Certificate completers will have an understanding of common leadership and assessment higher education theories, principles, and skills to identify academic, workforce, and social needs; formulate ideas and action through reflection and collaboration; and be able to assess their leadership role and impact when leading diverse individuals and groups through new initiatives and institutional change.
Student Learning Outcomes
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.
Admission requirements include the following:
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.
International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
This certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Federal financial aid cannot be used if the certificate is completed as a stand-alone certificate.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.